Provide funding to construct the surf! Busway and bus rapid transit (BRT) project

The Federal Transit Administration awarded Monterey-Salinas Transit District (MST) $17.5 million under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on May 30, 2025, to implement the SURF! Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. The funding supports implementation of traffic signal priority systems and construction of a dedicated bus roadway designed to improve transit on-time performance, enable more frequent bus service, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle-miles traveled (VMT) throughout Monterey County. The project will be completed by January 31, 2028.

MST will execute all activities directly without sub-awarding funds to other recipients. The intended beneficiaries include MST bus service patrons and all Monterey County residents who will benefit from reduced greenhouse gas emissions resulting from improved transit operations and increased service frequency along the SURF! BRT corridor.

Purpose

The purpose of this grant is to provide funding to construct the surf! Busway and bus rapid transit (BRT) project. By operating the surf! BRT along the busway MST will be able to improve transit on-time performance allow for more frequent bus service reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce vehicle-miles traveled (VMT).

Activities

Funds will be used to implement traffic signal priority and construct a dedicated bus road.

Expected outcomes

MST will be able to improve transit on-time performance allow for more frequent bus service reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce VMT.

Intended beneficiaries

The intended beneficiaries of this project are patrons that use MST bus service. The resulting decrease in greenhouse gas emissions will benefit all residents of monterey county.

Subrecipient activities

MST does not intend to sub award funds.